In the past, many international students were enrolled at universities across the United States. In recent years, the number of students who have enrolled has dwindled significantly. Why is there such a decline in enrollment numbers for international students? Read on to examine this topic further.
The Enrollment Numbers Have Decreased Two Years in a Row
The enrollment numbers have decreased two years in a row. This decline of international student enrollment began in the 2017–2018 school season and has continued through the 2018–2019 season. Time will tell if the trend continues forward. The biggest decline in enrollment came from international students enrolled in associate’s degree programs.
There are still international students enrolled in American universities. It’s just startling to see the numbers decline after many years of growth. This leads many at American universities to wonder why they are attracting far fewer international students. There are actually several reasons why the interest in American universities might be dying down.
Anti-Immigrant Rhetoric and Social Problems
If you have been paying attention to America in the last several years, then you’ll be aware of the wave of nationalism and anti-immigrant rhetoric that has appeared. These issues could be scaring international students away from the country. America doesn’t seem to be the welcoming place that it once was. The United States was once thought of as a place for people to go to achieve their dreams but that perception could be changing.
The social unrest in America doesn’t help. You can also combine this with the trade war that is going on with China. Many of these things are very off-putting to international students who are looking for a nice place to get an education. If things change in America, this could help to get international student enrollment numbers back up.
Competition From Other Great Universities
It also needs to be noted that the competition from other great universities outside the United States could be drawing some international students away. Australia and Canada both have many great universities to consider and international students could be choosing them in lieu of American universities. The cost of attending American universities is much higher than the cost of attending other universities as well.
Galib Mammad 